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January 9, 2015

Salmon Spread

Easy smokey salmon spread, sometimes called a salmon ball, perfect to serve with crackers or crudité.

So, I've spent the last two weeks thinking my appendix picked the worst possible day ever to try to kill me. Most of you know this but just in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, my appendix ruptured on Christmas Day and tried to take my colon out with it.

But the more I think about, the timing could actually have been worse. It could have happened on Christmas Eve or a few days before. And if that would have happened then Santa would have been seriously impeded and Christmas would certainly have been ruined. As it was, the kids did get to wake up to a wonderful Christmas morning (at 4:50 a.m... ugh), Santa did come, all the food did get prepared and until approximately 11:00 a.m. when my innards reached critical mass, things went exactly the way they were supposed to. Even if I was blinded by pain.

So, it really could have been worse.

AND the timing is perfect to roll out this recipe. Since I know this recipe isn’t for everybody, I’m hoping you’ll feel sorry for me because of The Christmas My Appendix Tried to Kill Me and spare me all of the negative comments about how you don’t like canned salmon, how this looks like barf (yes, one of you actually said that – thanks again, pal), how you’re allergic to fish and so on and so forth.

This is one of my very favorite spreads to make for parties! Mil (my mother-in-law) taught me how to make this. I add a little liquid smoke to mine but other than that, this is pretty much her recipe.

I usually serve this with crackers but if you really want a special treat, serve these on cucumber rounds. They are beautiful (the green and salmon colors are so pretty together) and the crisp cucumber is such a nice contrast to the rich salmon spread. Cut two English cumbers into 1/4 inch slices then lay the slices out on paper towels for about 30 minutes to dry out a bit. Blot the tops of the cucumbers with dry paper towels (just to make sure there’s no moisture left or the salmon spread will slide right off of the suckers). Top each cucumber round with salmon spread then arrange on a platter. Boom. You uptown now, y’all.

Beat cream cheese, Liquid Smoke, horseradish and salt with a wooden spoon (or with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer) until creamy and smooth.

Drain salmon then remove and discard skin and bones. Stir salmon and onions into cream cheese mixture and mix until well combined. Add more salt, Liquid Smoke and/or horseradish to taste if desired. Spoon into a serving bowl then refrigerate spread until ready to serve. Sometimes I make a “salmon ball” by lining a round bowl with plastic wrap before adding the spread, refrigerating until firm then shaping it into a perfect ball when I’m ready to serve.

Serve with crackers or crudité.

*It really has to be red salmon. It’s more expensive but it’s SO much better. Spend the extra $2-$3 for the red salmon. If you can’t find it (some grocers only carry the pink salmon), you can still use the pink but I promise the red is noticeably better. And by all means, if you have fresh cooked salmon, go right ahead and use it!

12 comments:

Yum! I love the idea of liquid smoke and horseradish with the salmon. Why on earth would someone bother telling you they were allergic to fish? "Oh, ok, I won't post any fish recipes then!" People are weird.

Hey Mandy; I am so sorry to hear about your appendix! I hope that you are doing much better now!!!This Salmon looks Wonderful. I can not wait to try this one very soon.I am thinking that Super Bowl Sunday, will be a Great time to make this!!!!! :-DThank-You again, and Take Care :-)

Hi Mandy, I just made it to your page and love it, I'm really glad you made it from 2yrs ago on Christmas (smile). You have so many fantastic recipes I wont have to look anywhere else for years. I love reading all the comments and laughing so hard I'm crying, God bless and keep'em coming

Hi there! While I'm not able to respond to every comment, I try hard to answer any questions that haven't been addressed in the post, recipe or in other comments. And though I may not respond to them all, I do read each and every comment and I LOVE to hear from you guys! Thanks, y'all! - Mandy